If I Was a Rich Girl

IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER

A year would be dedicated to a better physique with the help of a personal trainer
My "girls" would get some help with defying gravity, as would my gut
I'd be able to help the homeless and supply basic necessities
The kids and mommy would have choppers in immaculate condition
The shoe collection would grow immensely
I would treat my Dad to meals instead of him always covering the check
I would treat my closest gal pals to a VIP reunion trip in Las Vegas once a year
My children would never know what a student loan was
My mother would never have to clean her own home again
Family Christmas's might be hosted in a snowy climate
I would always know what new car smell was
Speaking of smell, I would have all the expensive perfumes I could never afford before
I would commit to charity work and make a difference
Concerts and sporting events would be frequent
My son would not have to make any more car payments
Spontaneous road trips would be possible
I would own one pair of diamond earrings. Just one.
(OK... and maybe one chocolate diamond ring tehehe)
Attending Sturgis bike week would be added to my bucket list
Oh yea, so would zip lining in Hawaii
I would never have to save for a month before I could call a plumber, electrician, etc
Spa and salon days would be commonplace
Cocktail hour would be reinstated
My daughter would get laser and never need contacts or glasses again
I would be enjoyed in places like Miami, Jackson Hole, or New Orleans
(For beach days, horseback riding, and partying on Bourbon Street)
Dress up lunches for no reason at all
I would own every Audrey Hepburn movie ever made
Repaying my parents for their financial help would be a priority
I would finish my college degree just for principle
Monthly bills would be on automatic pay, no more due dates to remember
I would own at least two vacation homes
My passport would have a plethora of stamped pages
(Greece, France, Caribbean, Japan, Ireland, Italy, Scotland)

Life's Lyrics

Hard to Love - Lee Brice

 

I am insensitive and I have a tendency

To pay more attention to the things that I need
Sometimes I drink to much, sometimes I test your trust

Sometimes I dunno why you're staying with me

I'm hard to love, hard to love, I don't make it easy

I couldn't do it if I stood where you stood
I'm hard to love, hard to love, you say that you need me

I don't deserve it but I love that you love me good

I am a short fuse, I am a wrecking ball

Crashing into your heart like I do
You're like a Sunday morning full of grace and full of Jesus

I wish that I could be more like you.

You've given me a million second chances

I don't ever wanna take you for granted

My Favorite Things

Browsing through the pages of my scrapbooks, I was reminded of some of my favorite memories and trips I have taken. I thought I would share some of my favorite places. These are locations where I feel relaxed and happy for a multitude of reasons. (In no particular order)

Poolside at The Pearl Hotel

Hiking in Manitou Springs, Colorado

 

Reading and sipping a latte at Cosmo's Coffee Shop

Football Sunday's at Jolt 'N Joes Sports Bar

Riding my bike around San Diego Bay

Watching the waves crash in Ocean Beach

Last, but not least, watching a sunset from my very own bedroom balcony

 

The Difference Between Girls and Boys

Today I thought I would share a lighthearted post. This morning I was looking for nail polish remover in my daughter's bedroom and was quite impressed at how neat and organized her little corner of the world was. Everything was in its place and although her dresser was cluttered, it was an organized chaos. Very typical of a sixteen year old young lady. Hair products, scented lotions and perfume sprays took up most of the real estate on the dresser. The closet was neat as a pin with like items grouped together and the rest of the weeks outfits paired together. Her bed was even made.

 

As I exited her room I couldn't help but take notice of how my son's bedroom was the complete opposite. Clothes, shoes, papers, towels, and a conglomeration of miscellaneous crap (yes... CRAP) littered the entire floor, in fact, a suitcase sits open, still with dirty clothing in it from the vacation he took... in August!!! There was not even a sheet on his mattress. Well, I just sighed and closed the door to the madness and thanked the man upstairs that at least one of my children is tidy.

 

Notice perfumes are on the corner shelf and jewlery hanging neatly.

Nail polishes organized and sunglasses in a row.

Bed made, and tv chair fluffed with pillows.

Jeans, skirts, blouses, all sectioned together.

Shoes lined up and in the organizer.

Polar opposite: complete anarchy!! Screen not even on window.

Tough Decisions

The first thing this morning I received a telephone call from a gentleman conducting a government background check on my ex husband. He called from a local number and stated my former betroved is currently under review for an opportunity here in San Diego. I am torn. My initial instinct tells me the right thing to do is to return this man's message and be forthright in any way I can.  I don't think I can say anything that would hurt his chances at a job, as our issues were marital, not work related.  On the flip side, my inner bitch says "screw him" and why do anything that will make his life easier after all he put me through?

The basic background of our marriage... we were married only six months when he received military orders to return to Virginia, orders which he was previously aware were coming, yet never disclosed to me prior to marriage. On our one year wedding anniversary we relocated to the east, uprooting my children from the only home they had ever known and leaving an amazing job in the name of being a supportive and loving wife. Upon arrival things were copacetic for six months. We began arguing over money and parenting, causing discomfort in the home and with my children. There are many other things I could add, but I won't air all the dirty laundry and slander his name.

He decided divorce was the best option and found it ok to inform me of this on my 34th birthday, at a restaurant, in front of my children. REALLY??? Due to Virginia being a Commonwealth state the process took over two years before completion. TWO YEARS!!! This was a case with no mutual children, property, or support requested and should have taken six months. I incurred further expense in the returning move to California. Finally it appeared to be official when I realized Virginia law allowed him to contest the reinstatement of my maiden name, which he did. I had to hire legal counsel and file a whole new case, incurring travel costs and attend several different hearings in Virginia. The ex did this purely for spite. It was financially costly, but more importantly, hurtful, after all, it was only 18 months prior we made our vows. Although the marriage did not work out, there was still a lot of raw emotion involved and to this day I hesitate to have any type of long term relationship because I don't trust whole heartedly, as I once did. He took that from me.  

Back to my phone call this morning... part of me feels the right thing to do is to return the call and be the bigger person. The other part of me feels as though I closed the book on this past life and to any connection to him six years ago. I do not want anything to do with him, his life, or his career. I am really on the fence and quite confused. Any advice???

Rawhide

I have a new love for all things country... music, fashion and cowboys. In the spirit of this, I treated myself to a special purchase of these boots by Steve Madden for a steal of a deal at Ross. Nope, not ashamed to brag on my deal. I looked at boots at several places and was stunned to learn how expensive the authentic brands run (Lucchesse= $800+; Old Gringo= $600+; Ariat= $400+). Since I cannot justify that amount of money without first scoring the winning lottery ticket or snatching up a rich sugar daddy (LOL) I settled for my pair which retail at $80 and I got on sale for $25. I have worn them a few times and feel so cute when I don them with a denim mini skirt or a black dress. I am looking forward to whatever "winter" season we may get here in Southern Cali so I can wear them more!!! Maybe I will meet a Hatfield or a McCoy to ride off into the sunset with...

20 Minutes to Deliciousness

 

In my quest to stop the fast food madness and treat this old aging bod with a bit more respect, I have been preparing a lot more meals in my own galley as of late. Although I have tried a few recipes by television's latest celeb chefs, I have fine tuned them to my own variations of taste preference and tend to like them better. Eating healthy never tasted so delicious. Tonight's entree was a one pot creation of culinary experimentation. Components were simple: pasta, turkey meatballs and sliced squash in a home made-ISH arrabbiata sauce (basically a spicy version of marinara, jazzed up with olive oil, garlic, bell peppers and chipotle flakes.. all things I had on hand.) The following steps took less than 20 minutes total:

 

Start to boil the pasta

Chop bell peppers and garlic

Slice squash and mix with pepper/garlic

Micro veggie mixture and meatballs, takes 2 minutes for perfection

Drain pasta

Add sauce and seasonings

Toss in meat and squash

Stir into a bowl of deliciousness